General
toaster
What does toaster mean?
Slang for the defibrillator, from the jolt of electricity it delivers.
"Charge the toaster — he's in VF."
Origin
US hospital slang.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'toaster' in a hospital?
It is slang for a defibrillator, named for the jolt of electricity it delivers to the patient.
How is the term used?
During a cardiac arrest, e.g. 'charge the toaster' when a patient is in a shockable rhythm like VF.
Is 'toaster' offensive?
No. It is light equipment slang, though used only informally among staff rather than in front of patients.
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